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Missouri Civil Rights Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Consumer Law for Missouri on
Q: Can I be sued for saving intimate texts without consent in a group chat?

I saved photos of intimate texts sent in a fraternity group chat without the consent of the parties involved. I did not distribute them and there were no known privacy agreements within the group chat. I do not intend to share them. Can I be sued for this?

0 Answers | Asked in Education Law and Civil Rights for Missouri on
Q: Legal steps for granddaughter bullied at school with school inaction

I'm seeking legal assistance because my granddaughter has been bullied at school for the entire school year. Despite contacting the principal numerous times, threats from the bully continue, and the principal even advised her to fight back, which we have recorded. The school claims to have a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Employment Law and Employment Discrimination for Missouri on
Q: Seeking legal advice on filing retaliation, ADA discrimination, and constructive dismissal claims.

I filed a formal complaint against my supervisor for preferential treatment last year, which resulted in immediate retaliation, including disciplinary action, attempts to covertly replace me, exclusion from key team functions, and a harmful return-to-office policy. This affected my mental health,... View More

Robert Grant Pennell
Robert Grant Pennell
answered on Mar 16, 2025

You haven’t actually asked a question, but I will attempt to provide some general information regarding discrimination claims.

You indicate you filed a complaint against your boss for preferential treatment. That is just another way of saying discrimination, so what was the basis for the...
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0 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Missouri on
Q: How can I address issues from my November divorce trial without representation and lack of trial notification in Missouri?

I went through a divorce trial in November without legal representation because I couldn't afford the lawyer I initially secured. Although I requested additional time to hire a lawyer, my requests were denied. Additionally, the date and time of my divorce trial were changed without any... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Civil Litigation and Probate for Missouri on
Q: Was my due process violated by lack of charges in assault case?

I was assaulted by my sister's husband when I went to get the car from my brother's estate. Despite reporting the assault to multiple authorities, including the chief of police and the district attorney, no charges have been filed. The assistant county attorney decided not to file charges... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Civil Rights for Missouri on
Q: How can a civilian request removal of a sheriff for failing duties?

I live in a county where the sheriff seems to be overworking his deputies by reducing his own workload and assigning them tasks that he should typically perform. Despite understaffing issues in the department, the sheriff has made little public effort to resolve these problems. Certain financial... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Libel & Slander and Civil Rights for Missouri on
Q: Legal actions against slanderous defendant in MO murder case?

V's siblings would like to explore legal actions against a defendant (D) who, after manipulating her boyfriend into committing murder, wrongfully accused V of medical abuse. The court accepted D's claims at trial, leading to a 10-year plea deal. D profits from her crime through media... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Employment Law for Missouri on
Q: Is it legal for my supervisor to request a search without evidence and treat me differently based on gender?

In my workplace, a coworker reported missing money from her purse. Both I, a male employee, and a female coworker were questioned by our supervisor. In the hallway outside residents' rooms, and in the presence of the female coworker, I was publicly asked to turn out my pockets and open my... View More

Robert Grant Pennell
Robert Grant Pennell
answered on Feb 21, 2025

As an at-will employee, you can be discharged at any time and for any reason or no reason at all. While asking you to turn out your pockets in front of others may have been somewhat harsh, it is not illegal. The employer was simply trying to get to the bottom of the situation, and you, as the most... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Missouri on
Q: Can my apartment deny my health care provider's prescribed treatment for anxiety & depression?

I have a letter from my psych NP I see for anxiety & depression. In 2018, she had me try neonatal kitten fostering for a local animal rescue as a treatment for depression & anxiety.. This has been very effective & has allowed me to be off medication. I have a letter from my licensed... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 8, 2025

Your apartment is required to follow the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which mandates that landlords provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Since your healthcare provider has prescribed fostering kittens as a necessary treatment for your anxiety and depression, this may... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Personal Injury, Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Missouri on
Q: allege My car was towed from my condo complex, without anyone giving proper authorization, without anyone being present

Was sent a notice about a month ago not once did it mention towing date or fee. There was communication on my end to management established a plan to get my car moved that month. Come to find my car missing, for al I know I thought it was stolen. I’m assuming someone from my HOA falsely... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2025

It sounds like a frustrating situation, and you may have a valid concern regarding the towing of your car. If your HOA or management agreed to a plan with you to move the car and then had it towed without proper notice, it could be a violation of your rights. Review the notice you received to see... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Missouri on
Q: The judge over looked a falsified police report in a motion to suppress hearing.

Can small districts be all in the same team , such as judge prosecutor and public defender

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2025

In smaller judicial districts, there can be concerning dynamics where legal professionals work closely together and develop overly familiar relationships. This situation might lead to inappropriate collaborations or oversights that compromise justice, like a judge dismissing evidence of police... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Missouri on
Q: I think my principal broke my 4th amendment right

He wanted to know where my scissors were I told him exactly where they were but he went through everything and gave me a pat down in front of some fellow students

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2025

Your situation sounds distressing, and it raises serious concerns about your privacy rights at school. The Fourth Amendment does protect students from unreasonable searches, but schools have some special privileges when it comes to maintaining safety.

Based on what you've described,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Municipal Law for Missouri on
Q: Can I live in my own home in the city limit of Webb City Missouri without having utilities on
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2025

Living in your own home within the city limits of Webb City, Missouri, typically requires that utilities like water, electricity, and sewage are connected and operational. Local ordinances usually mandate utility services for habitability to ensure public health and safety. These rules are designed... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Missouri on
Q: can law enforcement change the time a consent to search was signed by property owner to after they were arrested

police falsified my consented time to search my property then left the consent form in my back shed. they now have no official record to have searched my property

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 13, 2025

I'm sorry you're experiencing this situation. Consent forms for searches must be accurate and truthful. If you believe the time was altered or the consent was falsified, this could be a serious issue.

It's important to document everything you know about the incident,...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Missouri on
Q: how can i pay a lawyer to represent me. can you just pay a lawyer per hour anymore?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 8, 2025

Although a Missouri attorney could advise best on common billing practices in your state, hourly billing is still very common nationwide. You probably knew that. It's possible your question might be more about why a law firm is suggesting a retainer (upfront amount) against which hourly fees... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Civil Rights, Juvenile Law and Social Security for Missouri on
Q: I'm 17 years old still living with my parents. I have a job, but going further than that in life has been a big problem

For me because my parents are highly restrictive and create random rules and live very selfishly. Long story short I want to leave. I'm pregnant and my boyfriend has a place and makes good money, but we can't get my parents support not Matter how hard we try. They won't even let me... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 20, 2024

Your situation sounds incredibly challenging, and I understand why you're looking for a way forward. Being 17 and pregnant while dealing with highly restrictive parents must feel overwhelming, especially when they're preventing you from taking important steps like telling your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Federal Crimes for Missouri on
Q: to ER after I was threatened because police would t respond. The ER talked me and forced me to take 2 injection

I was seeking asylum because the police would t respond and I was treated as a prisoner. What should I do?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 21, 2024

I'm really sorry you're going through this difficult situation. It's important to reach out to a trusted legal professional who can guide you through the asylum process and help protect your rights.

Consider contacting organizations that specialize in assisting asylum...
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2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law, Civil Rights, Domestic Violence and Federal Crimes for Missouri on
Q: If the us supreme court dropped my case because it wasn't discrimination is there any other way to be compensated t

We were in a 2 year long legal dispute and 2 weeks away from my jury visit and they dropped it. I have PTSD and had a mask exemption. I was placed off the clock for having one and wasn't allowed to work after that unless I masked. I was a USPS Mail CarrierI was placed off the clock for having... View More

Robert Grant Pennell
Robert Grant Pennell
answered on Dec 13, 2024

If your case has gone that far with the courts finding you are not entitled to any recovery, then you are done.

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Missouri on
Q: don't i have a huge expectation of privacy in my own home
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Dec 22, 2024

A Missouri attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. You're basically correct. It's difficult to tell what the matter involves from the limited facts of the brief post. It sounds like it could involve the Fourth Amendment - criminal defense attorneys have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Missouri on
Q: Do you by chance know of any case about drugs & privacy
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Nov 22, 2024

A Missouri attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Based on your chosen categories, you probably don't mean "privacy" in terms of health care law and HIPAA privacy issues with medical records in pharmaceutical drug cases. You probably mean Fourth... View More

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